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Council Homes Available Now: How Social Housing Works in London

An honest guide to social housing, and alternatives while you wait.

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DSS Housing & Benefit-Friendly Rentals
Council Homes Available Now: How Social Housing Works in London DSS Housing & Benefit-Friendly Rentals

Updated October 2026 · Fraser Bond

Housing · Social rent

Looking for a council home?

Registerwith your council
Bands& priority
Bidfor homes
Alternativesprivate renting
In short: There is no single list of council homes "available now". Social homes are let through each council's housing register, usually by bidding for advertised homes, with priority based on need. In London demand is very high and waiting times can be long, especially for larger homes. You can also look at housing associations and mutual exchange. Fraser Bond does not let council homes, but we welcome private rental applications from tenants receiving benefits.

How to apply

1
Check eligibilityCouncils set rules on immigration status and local connection.
2
Join the registerApply online to your council with proof of your circumstances.
3
Get your bandYou are placed in a priority band based on need.
4
BidBid on suitable homes advertised each week.
5
OfferThe highest-priority bidder is usually offered the home.
Housing associations

Many social homes are let by housing associations through the council system.

Mutual exchange

Social tenants can swap homes with each other.

Homeless help

If you are threatened with homelessness, contact the council straight away.

Private renting

Often faster, with housing help through Universal Credit.

Private renting with Fraser Bond

  • We welcome tenants receiving benefits
  • Clear move-in costs
  • Help with guarantors
  • Homes across London

Frequently asked questions

Keep exploring

Browse every guide in The London Renter's Hub → · London area guides →

Handy tools

Stamp duty calculatorRental yield calculatorMove-in costsBTL deposit calculatorRefurb cost per m²

Register for new homes
We welcome all applicants, including tenants on benefits.
Get started
Can I get a council house quickly?

Usually not in London unless you are in very high priority. Most people wait a long time.

Does Fraser Bond let council homes?

No. We let private homes and welcome applicants receiving benefits.

What is mutual exchange?

A swap between two social tenants, with their landlords' permission.

Need a home sooner?

Register for private rentals, including homes suitable for tenants on benefits.

Register nowSearch homes to rent

Related guides

BenefitsEstate agents who accept housing benefitRentingEviction and council housingArea guideHouses to rent in Mitcham
RentalContact us
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